Business soaring for aviation graduate selling luxury holidays to star clients

Business has really taken off for an aviation graduate from University College Birmingham after netting a record commission through his firm selling luxury holidays to the rich and famous.

Shehryar Awan founded his own travel company, Exquisite Escapes, three years ago while still studying for his Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons) degree at the University.

Now part of the Scotland-based Merlin Travel Group, Exquisite Escapes offers luxury package holidays specialising in destinations such as Dubai, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean, and has attracted an array of celebrities and high-profile clients – from sports icons to reality TV stars and even royalty.

Shehryar revealed how his degree dissertation had also played a part in inspiring him to launch his company.

"When I started doing my dissertation, that was when I decided I would start my own business," he said. "I did my dissertation on airlines and holiday sites, how they run and make their money.

"The support was endless and the lecturers were all amazing," he added. "If I was struggling, I could just email my tutors and they would reply even in the evening when I wasn't expecting them to.

"Sometimes if you missed a lesson, they would be happy to arrange a time to sit with you and go over what you'd missed. I loved all of that.

"If I had the opportunity to do another degree, I would just come back to University College Birmingham!"

Kathryn Hayat, Deputy Head of the University's Department of Hospitality and Tourism, said: "Shehryar was an enthusiastic student who had a passion for aviation and the art of travel.

"Throughout his studies, he was keen to make the most of every learning opportunity to support his ultimate career goal of running his own travel agency. He achieved this within two years of graduating!

"Shehryar is really demonstrating the resilience of demand for flying and travel and how the industry is bouncing back following the pandemic."

Garry Butcher, operations and product manager of Merlin Travel Group, said: “Shehryar has worked incredibly hard since he became a member of Merlin Travel Group barely two years ago.

“His hard work, high standards and exceptional service to his clients have earned him a tremendous commission for his last month of 2021. The future is also incredibly bright for Exquisite Escapes, with strong bookings for this first quarter of 2022.” 

Find out more about Shehryar’s company on the Exquisite Escapes website.

Do you dream of a career in the travel and tourism industry? Or are you fascinated by the fields of hospitality and events management? University College Birmingham offers a wide range of courses within our Department of Hospitality and Tourism – find out more here.